Scuba diving in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, offers a thrilling blend of volcanic reef formations, nutrient-rich waters, and diverse marine ecosystems. Located along the central Pacific coast, Puntarenas is the launch point for popular dive spots like Isla Tortuga and the Gulf of Nicoya, where divers can encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, octopus, and large schools of tropical fish. The region is known for its volcanic rock pinnacles, coral reefs, and occasional shipwrecks. With warm waters year-round, reliable dive operators, and fewer crowds than more developed areas, Puntarenas is a fantastic spot for both novice and advanced scuba divers.
The best time to go scuba diving in Puntarenas is during the dry season from December to April, when visibility is clearest, sea conditions are calm, and rainfall is minimal. Water temperatures average 27–29°C, ideal for long, comfortable dives. The green season (May to November) brings lush scenery and more marine life activity due to nutrient-rich waters, but also increased rainfall and occasional murky conditions—especially in September and October. For a quieter experience with great conditions, the shoulder months of May and November offer a sweet spot between crowd levels and dive quality.
Getting to Puntarenas is simple and convenient. Most international travelers arrive via Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica’s capital. From there, it’s a 1.5 to 2-hour drive west along Route 27, a modern highway offering scenic views of mountains and valleys. Travelers can rent a car, take a private shuttle, or hop on a direct public bus from San José to Puntarenas. The city also serves as a gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula, with ferry services to Paquera departing regularly. Puntarenas is well-connected and makes an ideal base for Pacific scuba diving trips, especially to Isla Tortuga and surrounding marine hotspots.
Technical Diving
Freediving
Emergency First Response
FREE – Introduction to Scuba Diving Online
Marine Debris
Shark & Ray Protection
Adopt a Dive Site
